What are the top things to do in Anglesea?

See the wild kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course (free, year-round, best at dawn or dusk), swim at the patrolled main beach, fish on the Anglesea River, walk a section of the Surf Coast Walk, watch surfers at Pt Roadknight, eat at the foreshore café strip. Combined: a relaxed full day or a focused half-day.

Where do you see kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course?

Drive Golf Links Road just inland from town. The kangaroos graze the fairways throughout the course; you can see large numbers from the road or from the clubhouse car park (no green fees required). Best at dawn or dusk when they're most active. Often 50+ kangaroos visible at once. Free, year-round.

Is Anglesea good for families with young kids?

Yes — one of the most family-friendly towns on the Surf Coast. The main beach is patrolled with gentle waves. The Anglesea River mouth provides calmer swimming for toddlers. The kangaroos at the golf course are a guaranteed wildlife hit. Multiple playgrounds along the foreshore. The Family Caravan Park has a play area and pool.

Can you fish at Anglesea?

Yes — the Anglesea River has good fishing for bream, mullet, and salmon. The river mouth is the most popular spot. Beach fishing for salmon and tailor on the main beach in summer. Boat fishing offshore through local charter operators. Tackle and bait at the Anglesea Bait & Tackle on the main strip.

What sections of the Surf Coast Walk pass through Anglesea?

Anglesea is roughly midway along the 44 km Surf Coast Walk. Day section options include Anglesea to Aireys Inlet (16 km, 4-5 hours one way) — the most popular long day section, or shorter sections from Anglesea toward Pt Roadknight (5 km return) for a relaxed coastal walk. Shuttle services available between trailheads.

Are there things to do in Anglesea when it's raining?

Limited indoor options. The Anglesea Hotel for a pub afternoon. The IGA and shops for browsing. Coffee at Four Kings or The Boat Builders. The town doesn't have major indoor attractions; rainy days are best spent driving 25 minutes north to Geelong for the larger café and museum scene, or south to Lorne (30 min) for the Lorne Theatre.

Can you surf at Anglesea?

Yes. Pt Roadknight at the southern end of Anglesea has a rideable left-hander on south-west swell. The main beach has gentle sand-bottom waves suitable for beginners. Multiple surf schools operate in summer. For more serious surfing, drive 15 minutes north to Bells Beach.

Anglesea coastal town and beach along the Great Ocean Road

Anglesea activities

Things to do in Anglesea

Wild kangaroos on the golf course, the Surf Coast's most family-friendly beach, fishing on the river, and sections of the 44 km Surf Coast Walk.

Where to stay Anglesea overview

The shortlist

What you should not skip

Anglesea's main draw is the kangaroos. Almost everything else is family-coastal-town territory — beaches, fishing, walks, cafés. The combination is what makes Anglesea a strong family stop, even if the activity list is shorter than Lorne's or Apollo Bay's.

Anglesea Golf Course kangaroos — drive Golf Links Road, view from the road or clubhouse. Free, year-round, best at dawn/dusk.
Main beach swim — patrolled in summer, gentle waves, family-friendly.
Anglesea River walk + fishing — easy waterside path, good fishing for bream and salmon.
Surf Coast Walk section — Anglesea to Aireys Inlet is the standard 16 km day section.
Pt Roadknight — local surf break, scenic clifftop.
Foreshore café crawl — Captain Moonlite Anglesea, Four Kings, The Boat Builders.

In town

Walking distance from accommodation

Anglesea main beach — patrolled summer, gentle waves.
Anglesea River foreshore walk — flat path, calm water for kids.
Anglesea River fishing — bream, mullet, salmon.
Foreshore playground — kid-friendly, near the beach.
Anglesea Skate Park — popular with local teens.
Surf Coast Walk trailhead — multiple section starting points.
Captain Moonlite + foreshore café strip — meals and coffee.

Just out of town

Within a 20-minute drive

Anglesea Golf Course kangaroos — 5 min, the headline activity.
Pt Roadknight — 5 min, clifftop and surf break.
Coogoorah Park — short drive inland, picnic and walking trails.
Bells Beach — 15 min north. Bells Beach guide.
Memorial Arch — 18 min south. Memorial Arch guide.
Split Point Lighthouse — 20 min south. Lighthouse guide.

Frequently asked

Anglesea things-to-do FAQs

What are the top things to do in Anglesea?: See the wild kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course (free, year-round, best at dawn or dusk), swim at the patrolled main beach, fish on the Anglesea River, walk a section of the Surf Coast Walk, watch surfers at Pt Roadknight, eat at the foreshore café strip. Combined: a relaxed full day or a focused half-day.
Where do you see kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Course?: Drive Golf Links Road just inland from town. The kangaroos graze the fairways throughout the course; you can see large numbers from the road or from the clubhouse car park (no green fees required). Best at dawn or dusk when they're most active. Often 50+ kangaroos visible at once. Free, year-round.
Is Anglesea good for families with young kids?: Yes — one of the most family-friendly towns on the Surf Coast. The main beach is patrolled with gentle waves. The Anglesea River mouth provides calmer swimming for toddlers. The kangaroos at the golf course are a guaranteed wildlife hit. Multiple playgrounds along the foreshore. The Family Caravan Park has a play area and pool.
Can you fish at Anglesea?: Yes — the Anglesea River has good fishing for bream, mullet, and salmon. The river mouth is the most popular spot. Beach fishing for salmon and tailor on the main beach in summer. Boat fishing offshore through local charter operators. Tackle and bait at the Anglesea Bait & Tackle on the main strip.
What sections of the Surf Coast Walk pass through Anglesea?: Anglesea is roughly midway along the 44 km Surf Coast Walk. Day section options include Anglesea to Aireys Inlet (16 km, 4-5 hours one way) — the most popular long day section, or shorter sections from Anglesea toward Pt Roadknight (5 km return) for a relaxed coastal walk. Shuttle services available between trailheads.
Are there things to do in Anglesea when it's raining?: Limited indoor options. The Anglesea Hotel for a pub afternoon. The IGA and shops for browsing. Coffee at Four Kings or The Boat Builders. The town doesn't have major indoor attractions; rainy days are best spent driving 25 minutes north to Geelong for the larger café and museum scene, or south to Lorne (30 min) for the Lorne Theatre.
Can you surf at Anglesea?: Yes. Pt Roadknight at the southern end of Anglesea has a rideable left-hander on south-west swell. The main beach has gentle sand-bottom waves suitable for beginners. Multiple surf schools operate in summer. For more serious surfing, drive 15 minutes north to Bells Beach.

Plan an Anglesea family stay

Where to stay → 3-day itinerary